Mick Neil and Stef Constantoulas first met as neighbours who turned their regular backyard beers and chats i into a serious discussion about starting their own brewery in 2017.
Philter Brewery officially kicked off in 2020 – recently crowned Australia’s #1 brewery at the Australian International Beer Awards in 2025.
They run a three-level brewery and hospitality event space in Marrickville, Sydney – it’s where locals head to drink IPAs, XPAs, Old Ales and Draughts. They’re chasing nostalgia for a modern beer palette – and in the spirit of the Aussie laidback style, deliver it in spades.
Stef Constantoulas and Mick Neil spoke to The Write Drop for our At The Bar series.
MY CITY
Home is where the heart is. Marrickville and its surrounds are some of the most liveable places I have ever experienced. We have the best food, the best bars, the best beer and the people are top notch.
FAVOURITE FOOD MEMORY
My Yiayia’s chicken soup will always be my favourite food memory, but I still think about the egg chaud-froid with the grissini soldiers from Marque in Surry Hills all those years ago.
FAVOURITE BAR
Depending on which side of Newtown I’m in, Earl’s or Jacobi’s. I’m a man of many moods, so on any given day I could go for an old-fashioned or a pina colada.
DRINK THAT DESCRIBES YOU
I’m pretty sure after all the tinnies I’ve consumed, I am 90% Philter XPA at this point.
BEST HANGOVER CURE
Bulk Nutrients Electrolute capsules. Best taken before your first drink, but they also work pretty great the morning after. And a sausage and egg muffin and vanilla milkshake from Double Roasters on Victoria Road, Marrickville.
BEST INTERSTATE BAR
Bar Bellamy in Melbourne. It’s perfect every time – insane cocktails and a bar menu like no other.
OVERSEAS BAR
One of the many on a beach in Khao Lak, Thailand.
FAVOURITE WINE
I still love a Graveyard Shiraz from Brokenwood.
FAVOURITE WINERY
Brokenwood in the Hunter Valley.
NEXT DESTINATION
We’re long overdue for a Greek island summer, but the next trip will most likely be Uluru with the kids.
MICK NEIL
MY CITY
Sydney. What’s not to love? We live in arguably the most beautiful harbour city in the world. The diversity of this city is what makes it special, the cultural hubs of the inner west, inner city, western suburbs and beaches give us the best of the best in terms of food, people and fun.
FAVOURITE FOOD MEMORY
There’s a Japanese institution called Kyushu in Neutral Bay that must have been there for at least 30 years. The dish is Pork Maki – it is a showstopper and cult favourite. Everyone who tries it is blown away.
FAVOURITE BAR
Earl’s in Newtown, it has the best atmosphere and seriously good cocktails.
DRINK THAT DESCRIBES YOU
A great glass of red! A timeless classic.
BEST HANGOVER CURE
My tried and true strategy is: Vegemite toast (and maybe a frozen Coke), keep moving and hair of the dog after midday. It’s never failed me.
BEST INTERSTATE BAR
Old Palm Liquor in Brunswick East. Great food, brilliant wine list and excellent cocktails.
OVERSEAS BAR
The Blue Posts in Soho, London. I used to work around the corner and it was the pub on our doorstep. I don’t think it’s changed since the 1950s.
FAVOURITE WINE
Sangiovese.
FAVOURITE WINERY
Pizzini Wines in King Valley.
NEXT DESTINATION
Our next trip will be to Vietnam with the family.
